An Obsession with All Things Handmade and Home-Cooked

Peas and Thank You

Perhaps I jumped the gun a bit, but with such great temptation staring me straight in the eyes, my will to respect the seasons and their respective vegetative offerings was instantly reduced to zero. After a day of brilliant sunshine and even being able to leave my heavy winter coat at home, can you really blame me? I’m over winter, and considering the waning piles of dirty snow left on sidewalks, I think it’s finally starting to relinquish its icy grip, ever so slowly. Thus, when I saw those dazzling green pearls sitting alluringly in the refrigerated grocery case, shelled and ready to go, I snatched up that last parcel of fresh peas before anyone could talk me out of it. Enough beating around the bush- Let’s just get on with spring already.

To really honor such a lovely main ingredient, a brilliantly simple formula for pea soup sounded like just the thing to kick this season off right. Hardly even worthy of a written recipe, this is a dish that nonetheless is worth your attention, because it draws out the fresh, green flavor from each tender sphere, and allows them to shine. As a dish shared by Sue Cadwell, my boss, mentor, and best friend, I could hardly expect anything otherwise. A gentle swirl of vegan sour creme added the touch of richness I was craving, but it’s also perfectly delicious with a drizzle of olive oil to finish, or left entirely unadorned. If you wanted to liven things up, consider adding a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a few springs of fresh mint, too.

Since shelling so many peas could be an endeavor requiring much more zen-like patience than the average person can manage, should shelled fresh peas be unavailable, go right ahead and substitute frozen. They’re just as tasty, if slightly less vibrant.

Coat the bottom of a large stock pot with the olive oil, and set over medium-low heat. Sauté the onions briefly, stirring well to coat with the oil, and add in 4 cups of the broth. Cover, and cook for approximately 20 minutes. You don’t want them to brown or caramelize at all, but cook down practically to mush. lid, cook until they’re mushy without browning.

Rinse peas under hot water and thaw if frozen. Toss them into the pot of onions and stock, and cook gently for 5 – 10 minutes until tender, if using fresh. For frozen peas, immediately turn off the heat and don’t let them cook much at all. You want to preserve that brilliant green color, and they’ve already been blanched prior to freezing so they’re pre-cooked.

Transfer the mixture to your blender and puree, adding more broth if desired until the soup reaches your ideal thickness. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the capacity of your blender. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Top with “sour creme” to serve, if desired.

This is absolutely breathtaking. I make lots of split pea soup in the winter but have never tried soup with fresh peas. This is definitely one I have to try. Thanks!
Rivki @ Healthy Eating for Ordinary People

I was so hopeful last Saturday when I went for a run and realized there was no more snow on the ground. Then I tried to run around the reservoir in Central park. And there was ice. Everywhere. It was slightly disheartening.

But I know what you mean about just being so spring-crazy that when you see peas you NEED to have them immediately! This pea soup looks delicious and so much more vibrant than any one I’ve ever seen!

I hear you. I’m over winter; actually, I think the running theme for me these days is that I’m over a lot of things. It can be a really frustrating state to be in. One day you’re fine with where things currently are and then the next you cannot wait to move on to something else.

A bag of fresh, shelled peas, just waiting for you to pick up? America truly is a place of miracles :) I remember spending an hour and a half one Christmas Eve shelling peas for the next day’s salad (actually, I really enjoyed the process. It was calming, but not something I’d do every day!)